After years of speculation, Sony has officially unveiled the PS5 Pro, an upgraded and more powerful version of its popular PlayStation 5 console. This new model promises enhanced graphics and the capability to run even the most demanding games at higher and more consistent frame rates. However, the PS5 Pro comes with a hefty price tag of £699.99 and will be available starting November 7.
Analyst Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere Research has noted that the high price is expected to spark significant debate. He observed that Sony is betting on the console’s superior performance to encourage users to upgrade and invest more in software.
Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PS5, described the PS5 Pro as “the most powerful console we’ve ever built.” He highlighted that the console aims to resolve the longstanding dilemma gamers face between choosing “fidelity mode” for better visuals or “performance mode” for smoother gameplay. The PS5 Pro is designed to minimize this trade-off.
Christopher Dring, head of GamesIndustry.biz, told the BBC that the PS5 Pro is targeted at PlayStation’s most dedicated fans. He noted that while the console industry has struggled this year, with declining sales for the PS5, Xbox Series S and X, and the aging Nintendo Switch, the PS5 Pro could help Sony position itself well for the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI next year. Dring suggested that Sony could use the PS5 Pro to market GTA VI as performing best on their new console.
The PS5 Pro continues the trend of “pro” hardware upgrades, providing enhanced graphics and performance without exclusive games. This means that games will still be available on the standard PS5, allowing players to choose between the regular or pro model based on their preferences.
This launch represents Sony’s second foray into the “pro” console market, following the PS4 Pro’s introduction of 4K graphics in 2016. It comes three years after Nintendo’s release of an upgraded Switch model with an improved screen.
Although the PS5 Pro’s announcement may not be as groundbreaking as the introduction of 4K graphics with the PS4 Pro, it marks a significant advancement in home console technology. It competes with high-end PCs, which have been leading in visual performance with Nvidia’s Geforce 40 series graphics cards, yet offers a balance of quality and affordability, especially when considering the high cost of top-tier PC graphics cards.
With the PS5 Pro’s launch, Sony will offer multiple PS5 versions to cater to various price points and performance needs.
